Ullapool and Invergordon to see introduction of cruise ship tax?
Could Ullapool and Invergordon see the introduction of a cruise ship tax?
The Scottish Government is seeking views on the practicalities and implications of such a levy, which would give local authorities the optional power to introduce a tax on cruise ships that visit their area.
Analysis shows there were around 1000 cruise ship visits to Scottish ports in 2024, bringing 1.2 million passengers – an increase of almost 400,000 per year compared with 2019.
The areas that welcome the most cruise passengers are Invergordon, Orkney, Edinburgh, Lerwick, and Greenock, and the average ship in the five busiest ports carries over 1,000 passengers. Other ports in the Highlands, such as Ullapool and Scrabster, have also seen an increase in popularity in recent years.
Finance secretary Shona Robison said: “The tourism sector is a crucially important part of the Scottish economy and cruise visits are increasing. The consultation will help to inform the Scottish Government’s decision over whether or not to bring forward legislation and it is really important that we hear from a wide variety of voices on this matter.
“Last year, we held events to hear the views of the cruise ship industry, local government, and others. We want to continue the helpful dialogue which started at those events, and explore further what a cruise ship levy could mean in a Scottish context.”
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The Scottish Government says it has no plans to introduce a nationwide cruise ship levy.
In 2024 the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, which for the first time gave local authorities the power to introduce a visitor levy on overnight accommodation in their area. As the act was being considered by parliament, calls were made for a similar levy power to be given to local authorities in relation to cruise ship passengers.
